Against all odds with New Zealand downhill mountain biker Brook MacDonald

In the high-stakes world of downhill mountain biking, few riders embody resilience like New Zealand racer Brook MacDonald. After a catastrophic spinal injury threatened his racing career in 2019, just one year later, Brook was back on the saddle. Now, with years of experience, battle scars, and a renewed hunger for competition, he continues to take on the sport’s toughest courses, including the infamous Red Bull Hardline, while continuing to carve out his legacy in the sport.

For those who don’t know, can you tell us where the nickname Bulldog came from?

The nickname Bulldog came from a good mate, Wyn Masters, who I grew up racing with when I first started mountain biking. I guess it came from my aggressive riding style, and how I rode the bike, the crashes I’d taken, and somehow getting back up and carrying on riding like nothing happened.

On September 1, 2019, you suffered a severe spinal injury whilst riding that threatened to end your career, and despite all odds, returned to racing just a year later. How did that moment redefine your relationship with the sport, and what drove you to fightyour way back to the start gate?

My main driving force was that riding was all I’d ever known. I didn't know at the time whether I would or wouldn’t be okay, but in my mind, I knew that somehow and somewhere I would get back to where I had left off. It made me even hungrier to prove to everyone that even with an injury so big, it is possible to get back to the highest level of racing mountain bikes. 

You’ve experienced firsthand how brutal this sport can be, from your own injuries to losing someone as close as Stevie Smith aka Chainsaw. How do you reconcile the risk with your love for riding?

I’m definitely aware of the risk, but I think, because it’s our job, it’s a calculated risk. I feel like the sport has changed a lot, and the risk is a lot higher than what it previously was because tracks are getting shorter, straighter and a lot faster, so the average speed increases, and so do the consequences. But I think it’s one of those things where you switch your brain off, you’re in the mode to win and nothing around you matters.

Considering your history of overcoming significant injuries, how does your past experience influence your approach to races like Hardline? Do you find yourself riding more cautiously, or does it drive you to push harder knowing what you’ve come through?

Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with and lacked a little confidence with giving it my all, and I’ve noticed cautiousness creeping in. I guess it takes a long time to build confidence from something so serious as my accident but I’m working on it, rather than just having a nice, comfortable run.

While you’re predominantly based in Rotorua, looking back at your extensive career, where’s the best place your career has taken you?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel all around the world but you can’t beat New Zealand. We have so much great riding here, especially in Rotorua. It’s so diverse and there are 300 kilometres of trails that cater to everyone from grade one to grade six.

Earlier this year, you announced your departure from Forbidden Bike Company and a new venture with Ari Bikes. What drew you to this partnership, and how does it align with where you see your career heading?

Ultimately, I wanted to get the love back for racing because I’ll admit, I did lose it a little bit. So far, the partnership with Ari Bikes has been really good as they align with where I want to go and how I’m approaching the second part of my career, as well as the cool stuff I can do outside of racing.

What else does 2025 have in store for Brook MacDonald?

I’m heading all around the world! I’m hoping to race the three Crankworx stops and race at Hardline Wales. Maybe some street racing in Mexico, a trip to America, some small projects in China, and hopefully, Chile and India.

The Red Bull logo carries a certain legacy in action sports. What kind of mark do you hope to leave as a Red Bull athlete?

Wow, I guess the person I am, the legacy I’ve left on the sport and those I’ve drawn to try downhill racing.